It is summer reading time! That's when we get to catch up
on what’s new and exciting in publishing. Our summer reading list is
primarily recreational. Its purpose is to connect our learners with resources
they may enjoy.

We
generally keep the list relatively short – under
one hundred books so as not to overwhelm. We are mindful of genre and diverse interests. We focus on contemporary publications - the last two years or so,
but we also include a few classics. We aim for balance between young adult and
adult literature.

Keeping
in mind that our library users include young teens and adults, our list is
thematically comprehensive. Not every book is for every library user. Selection
is part of the reading process and we encourage young readers to be reflective
about their choices - to contextualize them with their personal and family
values. Readers are encouraged to consult reviews and publisher notes to make predictions about whether
a book will suit their interests and to switch to a different book when
one falls short of their expectations. There are so many books to enjoy. Summer
is not the time to slog through a book that holds little appeal.

As
in previous years, New Canaan (town) Library runs dynamic Summer Reading
Program. We send our copies of the summer reading books to the town library so
students may borrow them over the summer months. We carry as many titles as are available in both eBook and audiobook format.
Students may use Destiny, our online catalog, to access
those formats. They can text the library at (615) 669 6670 if they need
help.

We
aggregate our summer reading list in GoodReads - which is a social book
recommendation site (see below). The entire NCHS learning community is invited
to connect, share what they are reading, rate books, and write reviews. Again,
the list is here, and the tabs at the bottom of the sheet allow viewers to
switch organization – title, author, genre, etc.